Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ powders with ameliorated ionic conductivity by citrate combustion route

Nanocrystalline Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta powders were prepared through a Citrate combustion process using citric acid as fuel in ratio of metal nitrides of 2:1. As prepared Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta is heat treated different calcinating temperature. Structural, thermal and electrical transport properties of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta powders were studied with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry analysis, Transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of pure-phase fluorite structured Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta. The relative densities of prepared Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta powders were in the range of 92% to 96%. The average particle sizes ranged from 7 +/- 0.21 nm to 19 +/- 0.49 nm, with anincrease in calcinating temperature from 300 oC to 700 degrees C. Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta sintered at 1200 degrees C for 36 h exhibited ionic conductivity of 0.022 +/- 0.004 Scm(- 1) in the air at 800 C. This study indicates that Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta powder with high ionic conductivity is prepared using the citrate combustion method.